Ahh 2020….the year of great challenges both in our government, in our community, in our circles, and in our hearts. This proposes a very important question…How to find balance during the Covid pandemic?
Some may feel that compassion and understanding have been all but forgotten. I too have felt this way at times, especially on social media with keyboard warriors. It is well known that when we operate from fear, we are not ourselves…and there is a lot of fear and uncertainty in the world. I have had to shut off my phone, close my computer, and spend quality time with the person that needs my compassion the most, me. I too have fear. I am not immune, I do not want to give that impression. This is simply the time that I use the tools in my toolbox….and freak out to my soul sister via macro polo. BEST.INVENTION.EVER
What do I do?
I have to practice grounding exercises multiple times a day.
I meditate more than once a day.
I make entries in my journal(s) multiple times a day.
I do mirror work.
I drink calming teas.
I take CBD.
I take herbal tinctures composed of milky oat tops, lavender, and ashwagandha.
I take magnesium
I use essential oils often.
I cry often.
I do so many things to stay true to me, feed my soul, and forgive myself when I falter.
One key piece I have discovered though is what used to work for me quite easily to calm the chaos, to shift energy, feel blissful, and be grounded, now takes so much more work because the world is in chaos too.
Many do not have or use such tools, and are in survival mode at best….therefore I believe we have a great responsibility to make space for others and where they are. (Not to be mistaken for poor behavior)
We all fall down…
We all have off days…
We definitely all have days where we want to get off the roller coaster that is 2020. Finding balance during a pandemic is not something most of us have had to do in our lifetime. One thing that I wish for everyone is the ability to be compassionate with ourselves….when we learn to do that well, we can find it for other people. YES, even those who do not agree with our stance on ANYTHING.
What does self-compassion look like? Self-compassion is being understanding, gentle, and NICE to yourself. Limiting negative self-talk. We are not perfect, we will make mistakes, and it is vital to love ourselves through it. Once we really see what that feels like and looks like, we can begin to offer it to others.
How do you handle disagreements in opinion? From my standpoint, it is important to remember that we all have a very deep story, a lens in which we see all things. Many of us are broken in some way and unfortunately, many lenses have blinders that make them unable to see any view but their own. This in and of itself makes it nearly impossible to be in agreeance on everything. We can agree to disagree. We can both be right, or wrong….it is in the adult communication that ensues that does not further perpetuate chaos that is important right now. Hate and shaming are never ok. I would like to add to be cautious of those that belittle others if they do not share in their opinions, no matter the topic. Unfortunately, communication will almost always break down in these situations.
Our uniqueness is truly beautiful, we can CoeXisT, in the very meaning of that word and ideal created by the image below is an image created by Polish, Warsaw-based graphic designer Piotr Młodożeniec in 2000 (1). The CoeXisT image signifies the capability or desire of humans to live together in peace.
Royalty-free image
We may not all have that capacity right now to have that compassion. I believe that indicates a valuable moment to say no to participate in the dialogue for however long is necessary in order to cultivate it.
It is ok to not have all the answers.
It is ok to pull back.
It is ok to nurture yourself and forget everything else for a little while.
You do not have to make sense of another’s opinions, you do not have to figure out why they are the way they are or say what they say, you just have to look inside, love yourself and let your light continue to radiate out into the world.
It is ok for it to be hard.
Keep shining your light, even if it flickers and shakes.
Click through here for ways to utilize complementary medicine during this time to find balance, harmony, and calm when it is needed the most.
Sending you all abundant health and happiness
Leslie xo
Reference
(1)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coexist_(image)
Like so many practices in life, I encourage you to become educated on the proper use of essential oils. When using them, please do so cautiously, understanding that there is often misinformation on the internet. You can be assured that I support only educated and proven resources. While essential oils should not be feared they should be respected and used properly to ensure the safety of the individuals using them.
Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.
